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ISSN: 2322 - 0910
International Journal of Ayurveda and Pharma Research
Review Article
THE MANAGEMENT OF AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION (ARMD) IN AYURVEDIC
PROSPECTIVE- A CRITICAL REVIEW
Munna Kumar
Lecturer, Sri Satya Sai Murlidhar Ayurvedic College and hospital, G.T. Road, Dunneke, Moga, Punjab, India.
Received on: 21/02/2015
Revised on: 16/03/2015
Accepted on: 26/03/2015
ABSTRACT
Age related macular degeneration a vision threatening disease is a degenerative disease
affects man in fifth decade or onward. It is caused by irreversible damage of macula in old
and risked patients like arteriosclerosis, smoking, Hypertension, DM etc. In fact ARMD
appears to result from a combination of hereditary, environmental, and metabolic factors.
The common complaints are difficulty vision in dim light, adaptation in different lighting
condition, blurring or blind spot in central vision, and a straight line looks wavy etc. Macular
degeneration is of two types –Dry and Wet type in which dry type is more prevalent.
Although, macular degeneration is very common with age, Ayurveda advocates certain
practice and drug which has proved better to get rid of macular degeneration. The drugs like
Triphala, Tulsi, Spirulina, Punarnava, Shatavari having anti-oxidant and vitamin properties
and yellow vegetable like carrot contain carotene are beneficial in ARMD. Drugs like
Yastimadhu, Amala, Ginger, Cardamom, Rose, Curcumin etc. has been proven anti-angiogenic
properties and are beneficial to prevent neo-vascular age-related macular degeneration
(NVAMD). In one study found that Tarpanawith Triphala Ghrita is beneficial and in another
study those with the highest dietary intake of lutein had a 57% lower risk for ARMD such as
Kale, Spinach, Mustard green, Shatavari, etc.
KEYWORDS: Age-related Macular Degeneration, Tarpana, Lutein. Neo-vascular Age-related
Macular Degeneration (NVAMD).
INTRODUCTION
prevalence of late AMD was found 2.4 % (513000
Age related macular degeneration also
peoples) and estimated to increase to 3.17%
known as macular degeneration is one among the
(679000 peoples) by 2020. [2] In one of study of
most common eye diseases generally prevalent in
global prevalence of AMD including 39 studies
the people of older ages. Macular degeneration is
worldwide showed the pooled prevalence of early,
the progressive deterioration of the macula, the
late, and age related macular degeneration
light sensitive cell of the central retina. As these
(ARMD) to be 8.01%, 0.37%, and 8.69%
macular cells malfunction and die, central vision
respectively. It was found a higher prevalence of
becomes gray, hazy, or distorted, and eventually is
early and any ARMD in Europeans than in Asian.
lost. But the peripheral vision is unaffected due to
Whereas, early, late and ARMD degeneration to be
presence of photosensitive rod cell in the retina.
more prevalent in Europeans than in Africans.
Needs of Review
There was no difference in prevalence between
Age-related macular degeneration, often
Asian and Africans. Globally the projected number
called AMD or ARMD, is the leading cause of vision
of people with ARMD in 2020 is 196 million,
loss and blindness among Americans who are
increasing to 288 millions in 2040. [3] The Indian
aged 65 and older. Because people in this group
prevalence has been reported as 1.1% from south
are an increasingly larger percentage of the
India and 4.7% from north Indian study[4]. White
general population, vision loss from macular
and Asian are more susceptible than blacks.
degeneration is a growing problem. About 1.75
Women and those with lighter-coloured eyes are
million U.S. residents currently have advanced
more susceptible. So the knowing burden of
age-related macular degeneration with associated
disease need of interference of alternative
vision loss, with that number expected to grow to
medicine because there is no proper available
almost 3 million by 2020.[1] In UK overall
treatment in modern science to check the
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Int. J. Ayur. Pharma Research, 2015;3(3):8-12
ISSN: 2322 - 0910
progression and even cure of disease. There are
some drugs and techniques available in modern
science to check the progression of disease but not
successful. So researcher looking toward natural
science to find out solution because lots of drugs
mentioned in Ayurvedic drugs having properties
like antioxidant, vitamins like A,E, C, minerals,
anti-angiogenic factors, lutein and zeaxanthin are
proving beneficial in recent research and need to
be evaluate more in this regard to help the
mankind from World of Ayurveda.
choriocapillaris which grows through defect in
Bruch membrane. This is thought to be the result
of imbalance between VEGF, that stimulates
vascular growth, and pigment epithelium derived
factor (PEDF), that suppresses growth. This
condition leads to leaking of blood and fluid in
retina through fragile new blood vessels. Thus, it
results in the damage of retina leading to
metamorphopsia, a positive scotoma and blurring
of central vision to loss of central vision
permanently.
CAUSES
DIAGNOSIS
ARMD is basically associated and grow
with aging. ARMD appears to result from a
combination of hereditary, environmental, and
metabolic factors. The body antioxidant systems
that destroy free radicals become less effective
with aging. Over time, highly reactive free-oxygen
radicals damage and destroy macular cells. Free
radicals are produced by bombardment of light on
the macula, particularly long-term exposure to
ultraviolet and blue light, including sunlight and
sun lamps[5]. Others factors[5] like Hypertension[6],
Smoking[7,8], which increase the risk of AMD twoto-four-folds.
In AMD vision loss is irreversible, early
detection may halt or slow the progression of dry
to wet AMD. The tests for AMD are:
 A high fat diet[9]- diets high in saturated fat
and cholesterol.
 Low dietary consumption of anti-oxidant
 Cataract surgery increase the risk of AMD
progressing to wet AMD
Disease Description
Macular degeneration is classified in to two types:
Dry macular degeneration
In the dry form also known as atrophic
type, gradual impairment of vision over months or
years caused by slowly progressive atrophy of
photoreceptor, Retinal pigmented epithelium cell
(RPM) and choriocapillaris. Both eyes are usually
affected but often asymmetrically. The signs in
chronological order are focal hyper pigmentation
or atrophy of the RPE in association with macular
drusen, sharply circumscribed, circular areas of
RPE associated with variable loss of the
choriocapillaris, enlargement of atrophic area
where choroidal vessels may become visible and
pre-existed drusen disappear (geographical
atrophy). Visual acuity is severely impaired
(decline of at least two lines i.e. 20/80), if the
fovea is involved.
Wet macular degeneration
It is also called neo-vascular age-related
macular degeneration caused by choroidal
neovascularisation
originating
from
the
Amsler grid test–Drawn on paper or board, a
checkerboard pattern with a black dot at the
centre. While staring at the dot with one eye, AMD
causes the straight lines to appear wavy or
disappear or some areas to appear blank.
Fundoscopy – A dilated pupil examination with
mydriatic of retina reveals gross macular changes,
including scarring, thinning or atrophy, may
indicate (Macular degeneration) MD. Numerous
mid-size yellow bumps called drusen, or one or
more drusen, can indicate intermediate-stage
AMD.
Fluorenscein angiography of eye: An indicator
dye is injected and photographs are taken to
detect dye leakage from retinal blood vessels.
Indocyanine green angiography - It is used to
examine choroid blood vessels that cannot be seen
with fluorescein dye.
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) –Light
wave are used to obtain cross-sectional views of
eye tissue to detect thickness, oedema atrophy etc.
This is easier and quicker than fluorescein
angiography and most commonly used by the
ophthalmologist.
Electroretinogram - Whereby a weak or missing
electrical signal from an illuminated point in the
macula indicates MD.
In a family history of MD suggesting
hereditary Juvenile macular degeneration (JMD),
macular genetic screening can reveal the presence
of JMD causing genes, facilitating early detection.
Treatment
In Shalakya Tantra, one of branch of
Ashtanga Ayurveda deals with Eye, ENT, Orodentistry and Diseases of Head, no one disease is
mentioned with such name. But some text and
scholar has correlated it with Pitta Vidagdha
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Munna Kumar. Ayurvedic management of Age-related macular degeneration (ARMD)
Drishti, a Drishti-gata Pittaja Sadhya Roga and
carried out research on small number of patients
shown that use of Nasya, Tarpana, and Rasayana
drug orally with Anu Tail, Triphal Ghrita and
Rasayana Churna, Saptamruta Lauh, Shatavari
Churna along with Triphala Ghrita respectively are
better in result (significant) against the
combination of Anti-oxidant, Multivitamins drugs.
[10]
In Ayurvedic literature regarding the
treatment of eye it has been coated that the first
treatment “in short abstains/prevent from
aetiology is foremost treatment.” So reduce the fat
consumption, because in modern medical science
it proved that high Fat consumption (70 gm
versus 24 gm daily) triples the risk of
advancement, trans-fat consumption (4 gm versus
0.5 gm daily) doubles the risk, consumption of
commercial baked foods (two or more servings
weekly) doubles the risk of advancement.[5] Foods
containing omega-3 fats, [11] such as nuts and fish,
lower the risk of progression to advanced MD. Use
of sunglasses with UV protection, maintaining
normal blood pressure, avoiding the risk factors,
including smoking and second hand smoke, [5] will
commit better in treatment of AMD. In many
researches over globe in the field of modern
ophthalmology it is proven that vitamin E, C, Zn,
mineral, carotene, Lutein and Zeaxanthin[12,13] and
Anti-Angiogenic factors are beneficial to prevent
progression of both types of ARMD.
The drugs like Triphala, Tulsi, Spirulina,
Punarnava, Shatavari having anti-oxidant and rich
in vitamin E, C and Zn, properties[14,15] and yellow
vegetable like carotene contain carrot are
beneficial in ARMD.
In one study found that those with the
highest dietary intake of lutein had a 57% lower
risk for AMD. Foods high in lutein and
zeaxanthin[11] include: Kale, Spinach, Mustard
greens, Collard greens, Romaine lettuce, Leeks,
Celery, Broccoli, Peas, Corn, Zucchini, Yellow
Squash, Cucumbers, Orange bell peppers, Red
Grapes, Mangoes, Oranges[16]. These fruits and
vegetable are very rich in lutein and zeaxanthin.
The drugs[17] like Satavari, Amala, Draksha, Elaichi,
Piper, Macoya (Punica granatum)and Animal fat
like Ghrita, Flesh of Animal and Fish are widely
used with herbal drugs for Anjana (Collyrium),
Putapaka and Tarpana preparation are also rich in
lutein and zeaxanthin[18] and also mentioned by
Acharya as Chakshusya (strengthen to eye vision).
The drugs mentioned for treatment of disease of
retina in Ayurvedic text[19] like Cinnamon,
Glycyrrhiza glabra, Ginger, Curcuma, Garlic,
Punicagranatum, Alpinia oxyphylla (Cardamom),
Curcuma
zeoderia
(Kachur),
Rosa
multiflorarosasae (Rose), Cannabis, Snake
Venom[20]20, Pepper, Quercetin containing Melia
Azadiracta,
Emblica
officinalis
(Indian
gooseberry),are having proven Anti-angiogenic[21]
properties can help to prevent neo-vascularisation
in retina. [22]
Other than above there are some drug proven
beneficial in treatment of AMD as follow:
Saffron -The Australian human study was
conducted by Sydney professor of Neurology
Jonathan Stone and similar study by Italian
research, were similar in scope and dosages
involving 25 macular degeneration sufferers
reveals that after a year or more ingesting only 20
mg of saffron daily, vision improvement should
stabilize without requiring more saffron dosing.[23]
Ginkgo biloba (Dosages 160 – 240mg per day) An herb contains flavonoids, which researchers
think may also help in AMD. Two studies showed
that people with AMD who took ginkgo were able
to slow their vision loss. Ginkgo can increase the
risk of bleeding, so people who take bloodthinners such as warfarin etc should not take
without talking to their doctor. [24]
Green tea (Camellia sinensis) – It contain
antioxidants, which mop up free radicalssubstances that create the so called oxidative
damage underlying many chronic diseases,
including glaucoma, macular degeneration and
cataract. Furthermore studies show that treating
retinal cells with green tea’s polyphenols protects
them from damage from ultraviolet light which
raises the risk of macular degeneration. [25]
Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) – Commonly
used in Ayurveda is high in beta-carotene and antioxidants, plays a vital role in improvement of eye
sight and also helpful in ARMD and Cataract.
Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) – It is rich in
nutrients such as bet-carotene, vitamin A&
potassium. Lutein and zeaxanthin potent
compounds are found in parsley which lower the
risk of ARMD & Cataract caused due exposure to
UV rays. [26]
Marigold–Harry Marsland, 73-years-old a retired
optician lost vision in his right eye to wet AMD in
2001, and soon after began to suffer from dry
AMD in his left. Eventually, he lost so much vision
that he could no longer move around on his own.
He treated for same with laser, vitamin and
supplement but nothing made any difference. In
2007 he treated with AMD supplement contained
marigold extract meso-zeaxanthin, as well as the
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Int. J. Ayur. Pharma Research, 2015;3(3):8-12
spinachderivative lutein and corn derivative
zeaxanthin. He reported that he recovered almost
completely (95 percent) from the effect of the dry
AMD in his left eye. [27]
On the basis of above evidence and metaanalysis of distinguish research paper it can be
said that a lots of potential and efficacy available
in the Ayurvedic drugs. Which were used by the
Ancient Sage to treat the difficult eye diseases. So
its need of time to do extensive research work on
old formulation mentioned in Ayurvedic Text to
prove it clinically and also new formulation of
Ayurvedic drugs should be developed with course
of
time
(understanding
with
aetiology,
pathogenesis of newer and older diseases) on
modern parameters along with ancient
parameters in the favour of mankind.
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Cite this article as:
Munna Kumar. The Management of Age-Related Macular Degeneration
(ARMD) in Ayurvedic Prospective- A Critical Review. International
Journal of Ayurveda and Pharma Research. 2015;3(3):8-12.
Source of support: Nil, Conflict of interest: None Declared
Available online at : http://ijapr.in
*Address for correspondence
Dr. Munna Kumar
Lecturer
Dept. of Shalakya Tantra
Sri Satya Sai Murlidhar Ayurvedic
College and Hospital
G.T. Road, Dunneke
Moga (Punjab) – 142001, India.
Email: [email protected]
Ph: 9041249844 / 9317564092
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